What ’ s on Screen
12
May-June 2017
NEWS & VIEWS
A snapshot of where we are & where we are heading
These are interesting and exciting times for the broadcast industry , with major changes occurring in the name of progress , cost saving and efficiency . This article seeks to give a snapshot of where we are and where we believe the industry is heading .
Without doubt , the broadcast video / audio market is now very focused on the capabilities and advantages being offered by the IT industry . Today , it is possible to purchase production kit such as cameras , vision mixers , replay servers and audio consoles capable of connecting directly into an IP infrastructure , allowing traditional SDI infrastructures to be kept to a minimum or , in some cases , replaced entirely .
Indeed , now that we can see some of the early adopters ’ success stories and full production chains from camera to transmission working in IP , the uncertainty about the technology and standards is dissipating . However , while a lot of broadcast professionals are getting excited about the benefits IP can offer , we are not at the final destination yet where we can realise the full benefits of IP ; and there are still large sections of the broadcast production community that will not see these benefits for some time .
They are considering producing 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) material using quad-link 3G-SDI , or single-link 12G-SDI and in the short term , there are many who will remain with the familiar SDI production chain as this meets their business drivers .
Hybrid solutions will also continue to play an important role during this transition . Full-IP adoption will be driven by cost and the business agility that it offers , as well as a continued clarification of standards .
Due to its lower bandwidth , audio is already well ahead of video in the IP domain — it can be successfully deployed through 1Gb ports rather than 10Gb , and this has speeded the adoption of IP-based audio production . Use of IP-based audio production is now commonplace in the radio community , using standards such as Dante , Ravenna and AES-67 .
Outside of the ongoing IP discussion , there is also considerable momentum behind high dynamic range ( HDR ), which has clear and visible
Mark Davies , Director of Products & Technology , TSL Products
benefits ; however , it is not as far down the standards clarification road as IP at this stage . This is not just a matter for technology companies either , as TV set manufacturers also have a vested interest in standardising the delivery formats . Then there are the marketing activities needed to convince their customers of the benefits of HDR — thus there are more stakeholders at play .
We also believe that operations will continue to look to technologies such as automation and advanced control systems in order to improve efficiencies and do more with less . From our perspective , this is where advanced control systems such as TSL Products ’ TallyMan can help , adding reliable control to value chains within the broadcast infrastructure .
As the reliance on control automation becomes more widespread , operations that are seen as complex today — such as repurposing an entire studio set-up from a game show production to a talk show — will be accomplished using the single push of a button on a virtual control panel .
As broadcasters deal with these myriad changes and challenges , they need three key things : good , impartial advice from manufacturers and systems integrators in order to make the right decisions , both for the short term and the long term ; manufacturers who understand the value in creating ongoing partnerships with their customers , not just ‘ box shifters ’ who are only interested in the next sale ; and manufacturers who understand that their products may only be a part of the workflow , and who are willing to collaborate with each other to help broadcasters achieve a future-proof , streamlined and efficient workflow .
With these elements in place , the industry is indeed in an interesting and exciting place . �
What ’ s on Screen
� The search is on at KIX
SINGAPORE – This May , KIX is airing Hunted , a reality show that follows nine teams of two in a manhunt as they attempt the task of disappearing in today ’ s digital world .
Viewers can join the Hunted team of investigators as they combine tracking methods with traditional tactics of “ pursue and catch the fugitives ”.
KIX is also bringing viewers on a threepart Hangover journey from Las Vegas to Bangkok .
Directed by Todd Phillips , the Hangover trilogy stars Zach Galifianakis , Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms as the groomsmen for Doug Billings , played by Justin Bartha , who went missing after his bachelor party in Lag Vegas . Without memory of the previous night ’ s event , catch the trio in search for the groom before the wedding can take place .
� Finding redemption in Small Crimes
HONG KONG – Cartoon Network is presenting a new programming slate for 2017-18 , including six new series and seven returning series .
Ben 10 is returning with a new series , as Ben Tennyson continues to traverse the country during summer vacation with his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max .
To deliver content experiences that would drive engagement across all screens , Cartoon
Network has also developed the Ben 10 : Up to Speed gaming app , which would put the players in Ben ’ s role as they join the character ’ s adventure in saving the world by stopping evildoers , from giant robots to menacing magic users .
Another new series available on Cartoon Network is Apple and Onion , a friendship comedy created by Geroge Gendi . Viewers can join lovable buddies Apple and Onion , as they
Created by George Gendi , Apple and Onion tells the tale of the lovable buddies making friend on their adventure of life in the “ big city of sophisticated food ”.
Directed by Todd Phillips , the Hangover trilogy stars Zach Galifianakis , Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms .
SINGAPORE – In Netflix Original Film Small Crimes , Nikolaj Coster-Waldu plays Joe Denton , a disgraced former cop who returns home for redemption after serving time for the attempted murder of a district attorney .
An embarrassment to his parents and abandoned by his ex-wife , Denton finds himself trapped in the mess he left behind — in the cross fire between a crooked sheriff , the vengeful district attorney , and a mafia kingpin who knows too much .
Nikolaj Coster-Waldu stars in the Netflix Original Film Small Crimes .
� Cartoon Network drives engagement with content and apps
embark on an adventure of life in the “ big city of sophisticated food ”.